WORLD IN BRIEF : MEXICO : PRI Figure Quits to Form Coalition

Manuel Camacho Solis, a former stalwart of Mexico's ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI, resigned from the party to work toward creating a centrist coalition. "I am in favor of a real political change to take us to an advanced democracy," said Camacho Solis, who formerly served as mayor of Mexico City and peace envoy to rebels in the southern state of Chiapas. His announcement ended a long period of estrangement from the PRI that began when he was passed over as its presidential candidate in 1993.